When the driver hears abnormal squeaks or grinding noises when turning the steering wheel, this is often a sign of worn or insufficient lubrication of the rack and pinion. If these noises persist and become more severe, it may mean that the rack and pinion are damaged and need to be replaced.

Typically, the life of a rack and pinion is 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles (about 160,000 kilometers to 240,000 kilometers). However, this does not mean that all vehicles can reach this mileage, and it is possible that wear or failure may occur before or after this.

Selected innovative model: Citroën 2CV The Citroën 2CV was the first car in the world to use a rack and pinion steering system extensively. The car debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1948 and became a major highlight of the automobile market at the time.

Under normal driving conditions, the life expectancy of a rack and pinion is generally 7 to 10 years, or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles (about 160,000 to 240,000 kilometers). This life expectancy is based on daily commuting, good road conditions, regular maintenance, and normal driving habits.

Rack and pinion steering systems can be traced back to the 1930s. In 1932, British car manufacturer Aston Martin first applied the rack and pinion system to its racing models. This design performed well in the racing field at that time, especially in terms of steering accuracy and sensitivity.

If the assembly is not aligned after installation, the wheels may not turn accurately according to the steering wheel's instructions. This may cause the driver to feel that the steering is not sensitive, the steering wheel is tilted, or the vehicle is pulling away when driving in a straight line.

Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover the natural wear and tear or mechanical failure of the rack and pinion due to long-term use. This type of damage is usually considered the owner's responsibility and needs to be repaired at their own expense.

Causes of rack and pinion damage: Vehicle wear and aging Inadequate lubrication of the rack and pinion Failure of the hydraulic system (in hydraulic steering racks) Improper driving habits External shocks and damage

The time required to replace a rack and pinion varies depending on the vehicle model, system design, working environment and technical proficiency. Generally speaking, it usually takes a professional technician 3 to 5 hours to complete this task under ideal conditions.

After replacement, the geometric relationship of the steering system may change due to possible size differences between the new and old parts or slight errors during installation. If calibration is not performed, these changes will cause problems in the operation of the steering system.